The 50-foot R/V Gulf Challenger is the flagship for the UNH School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering. Her cruising speed of 18 knots makes her the fastest and most capable research vessel of this size in the area, giving researchers more time to spend on station and less time in transit. The vessel is primarily configured for year round scientific investigation of the New England and Gulf of Maine coastal environment, typically no greater than 75 nautical miles from shore. She is also an ideal platform for a variety of estuarine and coastal educational activities. A typical research cruise will consist of a captain and mate and up to 6 scientists. The vessel can be made available for up to 12 hours, including set up and demobilization. Muti day trips along the coast are possible. The vessel will tie up in a host port overnight where there are marinas or other shore side facilities available. For this, and extended day availability (over 12 hours up to 24 continuous hours underway) please contact the captain well in advance. As a U.S. Coast Guard inspected "T boat" (100 gross tons or less), she is also capable of carrying 39 passengers for educational day trips from the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex in New Castle NH or the Jackson Estuarine Lab in Durham NH.
